Air
pollution can cause a lot of adverse effect. Now a new study finds that air
pollution can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Even exposure to a
short-term of air pollution can significantly increase the risk of
miscarriages. From asthma to pre-term births, air pollution has numerous
adverse health effects.
The study
led by some researchers of the University of Utah, US, shows that even a
short-term exposure to air pollution elevated the risk of miscarriage by 16 per
cent.
They also observed a slight
increased risk (by 6 per cent) for those exposed to elevated levels of nitrogen
dioxide.
"The results of this study are upsetting, and we need to work
together as a society to find constructive solutions," said Matthew Fuller,
senior author on the paper,” says the University of Utah in US.
For the study, published in the
journal, 'Fertility and Sterility,' the researchers surveyed more than
1,300 women in the average age group of 28 years from the Wasatch Front -- the most
populous region in the US.
The team examined the risk of
miscarriage during a three or seven-day period following a spike in the
concentration of three common air pollutants -- small particulate matter (PM
2.5), nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
"We are really only seeing the most severe cases during a small
window of time. These results are not the whole picture," said Claire
Leiser, research analyst at the varsity.”
Leiser notes the results suggest
there could be an increased risk for an individual.
However, the scientists were unable to ascertain the age of the foetus at the
time of the miscarriage and were unable to pinpoint a critical period when the
foetus may be most vulnerable to pollutants.
They recommend that women can manage the risk by using a N95 particulate
respirator face mask to filter out pollutants or avoid outdoor physical
activity on poor air quality days. They can also use filters to lower indoor
pollution and, if possible, time conception to avoid seasonal episodes of poor
air quality.
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